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  • Nov
    13

    Appl Math: Nick Moore on "Reversals of the Large-scale Circulation in Thermal Convection"

    McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

    11:15 AM M416, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    Title: Reversals of the Large-scale Circulation in Thermal Convection

    Speaker: Nick Moore, Colgate University

    Abstract: Thermal convection, or the tendency of heat to rise and cool material to descend, often gives rise to a large-scale circulatory flow structure. It is known that the large-scale circulation (LSC) can undergo spontaneous reversals. In the atmosphere, reversals can result in a sudden change in wind direction, while in Earth’s liquid core, reversals may play a role in magnetic dipole shifts. I will discuss LSC reversals in the context of 2D annular thermal convection. Through comparison with direct numerical simulations, I’ll show that a low-dimensional dynamical system derived systematically from Galerkin truncation of the governing equations accurately describes a sequence of parameter bifurcations, including the onset of circulatory flow, the appearance of chaotic LSC reversals, and finally a high-Rayleigh-number state of periodic LSC reversals with small-scale turbulence. When cast in terms of the fluid’s angular momentum and center of mass, the model reveals equivalence to a pendulum system with driving term that raises the center of mass above the fulcrum. It is the competition between driving, restoring, and damping that leads to the range of convective states. This physical picture yields accurate predictions for the frequency of regular LSC reversals in the high Rayleigh-number limit and offers a transparent mechanism for reversals. I will briefly discuss extensions of the model, including one that accurately recovers the gross heat transport.

    Zoom: https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/98171601500

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    TIME Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

    LOCATION M416, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Ted Shaeffer    ted.shaeffer@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

  • Dec
    13

    Northwestern Engineering PhD Hooding and Master's Recognition Ceremony

    McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

    4:00 PM Pick-Staiger Concert Hall

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

    LOCATION Pick-Staiger Concert Hall    map it

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    CONTACT Andi Joppie    andi.joppie@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

  • Dec
    24

    Winter Recess Starts - University Closed Through January 1st, 2026

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Jan
    5

    Winter classes begin

    University Academic Calendar

    All Day

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Monday, January 5, 2026

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    CONTACT Office of the Registrar    nu-registrar@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR University Academic Calendar

  • Jan
    16

    Appl Math: Diego Klabjan on "Title TBA"

    McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

    2:00 PM M416, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Friday, January 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

    LOCATION M416, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Ted Shaeffer    ted.shaeffer@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

  • Feb
    12

    Appl Math: Roberto Zenit on "Title TBA"

    McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

    11:15 AM M416, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

    LOCATION M416, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Ted Shaeffer    ted.shaeffer@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

  • Feb
    19

    Appl Math: Chaoming Song on "Title TBA"

    McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

    11:15 AM M416, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

    LOCATION M416, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Ted Shaeffer    ted.shaeffer@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

  • Mar
    5

    Appl Math: Aditya Khair on "Title TBA"

    McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

    11:15 AM M416, Technological Institute

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

    LOCATION M416, Technological Institute    map it

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    CONTACT Ted Shaeffer    ted.shaeffer@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

  • May
    13

    Appl Math: Melanie Mitchell on "Title TBA" - Reiss Lecture

    McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

    11:15 AM

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

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    CONTACT Ted Shaeffer    ted.shaeffer@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

  • May
    14

    Appl Math: Melanie Mitchell on "Title TBA" - Reiss Lecture

    McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)

    11:15 AM

    EVENT DETAILS

    TIME Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

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    CONTACT Ted Shaeffer    ted.shaeffer@northwestern.edu EMAIL

    CALENDAR McCormick-Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics (ESAM)